We've handled low A Daytona previously. I thought I'd talk about the highest level today. The issue, at this point, is that it's hardly fleshed out. I'm guessing the Reds have plans for at least a couple more MLB players which would, in turn, move some of those guys down the ladder.
Overview
Still, the outline of what should be a solid team has already taken place. Louisville will undoubtedly own a veteran squad, but it's not so much old as experienced. Lots of mid- to late-20's guys who might be able to provide depth at the major league level and a couple of solid prospect bats and maybe a couple of pitchers. It's built similar to the Cincinnati squad-- not a lot of upside but a high floor. Assuming few injuries, this squad should compete.
Everyday Lineup
C Devy Grullon
1B Wilson Garcia
2B Jonathan India
SS Jose Garcia
3B Alex Blandino
LF Dwight Smith
CF TJ Friedl
RF Narciso Crook
DH Cheslor Cuthbert
Comment: You've seen these names before, either at the MLB level or on prospect lists. The only relative surprises might be at 1B (Wilson Garcia) and catcher (Devy Grullon). Garcia's a switch hitter who blossomed after giving up most of his catching duties a couple of seasons ago. He only played 1B last year and was limited to 69 games due to injury. (He didn't play again after June 19 with a right foot sprain.) A big-bellied switch hitter, he's likely to be a crowd favorite in the Dmitri Young vein.
The Reds acquired Grullon off waivers from Boston just before Christmas. He hit very well in 2019 when given full time innings. Even better, he started working the walk into his ABs. He'll K a bunch but is a fine third catcher stashed in AAA and a prescient sign IMO. He'll probably be a better than league average hitter. Both Garcia and Grullon are a bit old for their level, but should be find AAA backups and depth guys.
Blandino, Smith, and Cuthbert are all in similar boats. They're AAAA guys who've tasted the bigs and can probably be stashed in AAA in case of injury. All three can play multiple positions, and all three offer similar leadership, steadiness, and probable league average of better bats. I've got Cuthbert at DH, but I'm guessing he'll play all over the infield (and maybe the OF too), allowing others to take a day or two if need be. Smith might be a sneaky good pickup as a AAA guy. He could explode and is still young enough to find another gear.
TJ Friedl is the only real grinder amongst the group. He was an NDFA and is going on 25 at this point. Over his minor league career, he's shown a propensity for high BA and good OBP, but little pop. He may add some pop as he's matured, or he might just be a flea fourth OF who won't be a complete zero with the bat at the MLB level. (I'm a sucker for that type, I confess.) He's always been considered a good defender and should man CF in Louisville. IMO, Freidl's a bit underrated as a prospect, if only because of that high floor. He'd be a fine fifth guy/ pinch runner.
India is, I'm guessing, going to be tried at 2B first, then 3B, but really, it doesn't matter in terms of Louisville's lineup. Blandino and Cuthbert can both play either post. (As can Alfredo Rodriguez and Errol Robinson, two possible middle infield backups.) India's focus should the bat that got him drafted fifth overall a few years ago. He needs to show the pop he had in Florida-- and not have to sacrifice BA to do it.
Garcia will almost assuredly begin the season at AAA SS. He should be here all year-- or at least until September call-ups. (If there even are September call-ups.) He's the top prospect on the team and should be working on his propensity to chase sliders away. He's Brandon Phillips redux right now in that regard. And in his speed/ power profile. Garcia's probably not going to be a .300 hitter, but he might end up with a 260/ 320/ 450 line, 20 SB, and superior defense. That'll certainly play as Wily Adames Lite.
Starters
Tony Santillan
Riley O'Brien
Brandon Bailey
Bo Takahashi
Ryan Lillie
This is my guess as of right now. With injuries and major league club's needs, it can certainly change. Santillan apparently threw effectively in 2020 at Prasco, so that's good. He'll have to show it in Louisville. He has great stuff at times, great control at times, great focus at times. Those times haven't consistent. He's still relatively young and could be in for a well above average season as the Bats' "ace." O'Brien was a good get from Tampa in the Cody Reed deal. His numbers rival those of Santillan, but his stuff is a step below. The Reds love spin, and he apparently has that in spades. I think he's the best bet in Louisville to stick in the rotation all season. Another high floor guy. Bailey is an off-speed guy who may, if the Reds don't acquire other relief arms, be a part of the MLB squad right away. He's got off-speed stuff for days. If the parent club acquires more relievers (and they almost assuredly will), they'll probably look at Bailey as a spot starter/ long reliever. Takahashi is young for a free agent pickup. I suspect the Reds lured him with a promise on the AAA staff (and a relationship with Boddy). Lillie's a former Marlin who was acquired for international money. He was very good for Daytona in 2019 before a cup of coffee in AA that pretty much sucked. I'm guessing both Vlad Gutierrez and Matt Ball are moved to the AAA pen (Gutierrez after his suspension runs its course) to offer some MLB help and K punch.
Like the offense, the starting staff is all about adequacy. There's not a sure-fire dominant guy in the bunch, but any of them could put up solid numbers over an entire season of AAA work.
In the 'pen, I've got Gutierrez (eventually), Ball, Edgar Ernesto Garcia (another Tampa relief arm with good K rates), RJ Alaniz, and Ryan Nutoff as the main AAA guys. Each of them (odd for a AAA team) has a real chance at helping the parent club with depth innings. Each is also fungible. Josh Osich and Art Warren-- two MLB arms who've shown to be league average or so-- are also going to be a part of that I-71 shuffle. Ryan Hendrix is another arm that will shuttle between Louisville and Cincinnati.